Best PLAB 1 & UKMLA Books: The 2026 Guide
If you are a medical student or an international doctor preparing for the PLAB 1 (or UKMLA AKT), your first instinct is likely to buy a stack of physical textbooks. Point to note: In January 2026, GMC UK updated the MLA content map with new topics and guidelines. We have updated our materials to align with those changes and provide you with the most up-to-date material available for your exam preparation.
For decades, the standard advice has been to buy the "Medical Bibles":
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine (OHCM)
Oxford Handbook for the Foundation Programme (OHFP)
Kumar & Clark’s Clinical Medicine
These books are legendary for a reason. They are excellent for carrying on the wards during your foundation years. But here is the critical warning for 2026:
The UKMLA is not just a test of knowledge; it is a test of clinical judgement based on a specific blueprint called the MLA Content Map.
While textbooks offer vast general theory, MedRevisions offers specificity. Since 2019, we have specialised exclusively in exams conducted by the GMC, helping candidates navigate the transition from PLAB to UKMLA. Don't just take our word for it. You can check our verified reviews with results or visit our FREE preparation group to get real-time guidance from fellow doctors and medical students who have walked this path.
Relying on a static book for this dynamic exam is a risky strategy. Is a printed book enough when the "Content Map" evolves with every new guideline? Or do you need a tool that can "talk back" to you?
In this guide, we compare traditional books with the future of learning: MedRevisions Integrated Study Notes & AI Professor.
Part 1: The "Textbook Trap" in 2026
While the Oxford Handbook is great for a quick refresher, physical books have three major flaws that can cost you marks in the Licensing Exam.
1. The "Guideline Lag" (The #1 Exam Killer)
NICE, CKS, and SIGN guidelines are updated constantly. A physical book is updated every 2-4 years.
The Reality: If the guidelines for Hypertension or Asthma change tomorrow, your book is instantly wrong. In the UKMLA, answering with last year's guideline leads to a failed question.
The MedRevisions Fix: We maintain a Live Update Log. When a protocol changes, our team updates the notes immediately. You are never studying obsolete medicine.
2. The "Search" Problem
Imagine you are solving a question on Multiple Sclerosis and need to check the management.
The Book Way: Open index -> Find "M" -> Flip to page 400 -> Scan for "Management." (Time: 2 minutes).
The MedRevisions Way: Type "MS" in the search bar. Instantly see the High-Yield Highlight on management. (Time: 5 seconds).
3. Passive Learning
Reading a dense textbook is passive. You read 10 pages, fall asleep, and forget 8 of them. A book gives information, but it cannot check if you understood it.
Part 2: The Solution: MedRevisions Smart Notes with 5400 Questions & MedRevisions Professor
We didn't just digitise a textbook; we created an Intelligent Learning Ecosystem.
1. Integrated Study Notes
Our notes aren't just blocks of text. They are designed to mirror the clinical thought process required for the UKMLA.
Context-Aware: The notes are linked directly to our 5,400+ questions. Attempt a question -> Get it wrong -> Read the targeted note instantly. This "Active Recall" loop is proven to be 10x more effective than reading a book in isolation.
Visual & Digestible: We use Zoomable High-Res Images (crucial for Dermatology/Radiology) and "Exam Warnings" to highlight exactly what the GMC examiners like to test ("The Twist"), Common confusion sections and much more.
Comprehensive: From Basic Sciences to Clinical Medicine, our library covers the entire MLA Content Map, making it a complete replacement for standard textbooks.
2. The MedRevisions AI Professor: A Book That Chats Back
This is the game-changer. Can you ask the Oxford Handbook to explain a concept in simpler terms? No. But you can ask us.
Our AI Medical Tutor is integrated into the notes and question bank. It acts as a personal professor sitting next to you 24/7.
Clarify Doubts: Stuck on Glomerulonephritis? Ask the AI: "Explain the difference between Nephrotic and Nephritic syndrome simply."
Ask "Why?": Don't just memorise. Ask: "Why is a beta-blocker contraindicated here?" and get an instant, clinical explanation.
Mnemonics: Ask the AI to generate a mnemonic to help you remember a drug list instantly.
Learn more about how to use the MedRevisions AI Professor.
Part 3: Not Just for PLAB or MLA AKT—For Medical Students (Years 1-5)
Why wait until your licensing exam to start learning properly?
Many pre-clinical and clinical students make the mistake of separating "University Exams" from "Licensing Exams."
The Smart Strategy: The UKMLA is now the standard for all UK graduates. By using MedRevisions during your medical school years (Years 1-5), you are effectively preparing for your finals and your licensing exam simultaneously.
Replace the Heavy Bag: Instead of carrying heavy books to the library, use our platform (PWA) on your phone. Look up topics during your ward rounds and impress your consultant with the latest 2026 Guideline Management Plans—something your old textbook might get wrong.
Learn how to master Preclinical Medicine from Clinical MCQ here
Try It For Free
You don't need to wait until your final year to think like a doctor.
Log in to MedRevisions today. Open any question and look for the Green AI Icon. Ask it to explain the "why" behind the diagnosis, etc.
Experience the difference yourself
We're so confident in our content—backed by over a decade of experience—that we want you to try it free.
70+ Sample Questions
Select Study Essential Topics
Limited AI Tutor Access
Comparison: Physical Book vs. MedRevisions Ecosystem
| Feature | Physical Textbook | MedRevisions Ecosystem |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | ❌ No (Passive Reading) | ✅ Yes (AI Professor Q&A) |
| Update Speed | Yearly (at best) | Daily / Instant |
| Searchability | Slow (Manual Index) | Instant Search |
| Visuals | Static Diagrams | Zoomable High-Res Images |
| Clinical Context | Abstract Theory | Linked to 5,000+ Scenarios |
Final Verdict
Buy a Physical Book if: You want a trusted companion for the wards or a souvenir for your bookshelf.
Choose MedRevisions if: You want to pass the exam.
In 2026, you need more than just information; you need intelligence. You need notes that update themselves and an AI tutor that ensures you actually understand the concepts.
Stop reading outdated pages. Start interacting with your medical education.
Frequently Asked Questions: PLAB/UKMLA Books
Section 1: Books vs. MedRevisions (The Comparison)
1. Is the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine (OHCM) enough for PLAB 1 / UKMLA?
The Oxford Handbook is a classic reference for ward work, but it is too dense for the UKMLA exam. It covers thousands of conditions that are not on the MLA Content Map, which can lead to "information overload." MedRevisions notes are curated to cover only the exam syllabus, saving you hundreds of hours of study time.
2. Why are digital notes better than physical books for the UKMLA? Two words: Updates and Searchability.
Updates: Physical books are printed once a year. If a NICE guideline changes a month later, your book is teaching you wrong information. MedRevisions updates its notes instantly when guidelines change.
Searchability: Instead of flipping through an index, you can type "Kawasaki Disease" into MedRevisions and find the exact management plan instantly.
3. Do I need to buy "Plabable Gems" if I have MedRevisions?
No. MedRevisions includes a comprehensive library of Integrated Study Notes for free with your subscription. Our notes are linked directly to questions and are often more detailed than summary flashcards, explaining the clinical reasoning behind the guidelines.
4. Can I use MedRevisions notes offline?
To ensure you are always studying the most up-to-date version (crucial for accurate medical guidelines), our notes require an internet connection. This prevents you from accidentally studying "stale" or outdated management plans downloaded weeks ago.
5. Are MedRevisions notes suitable for UK medical students (Years 1-5)?
Yes! The UKMLA is now the standard for all UK graduates. Using MedRevisions during medical school helps you prepare for your finals and the licensing exam simultaneously. It is like having a "smart textbook" in your pocket for ward rounds.
Section 2: Content & Updates (The "Guideline" Trap)
6. How often are the MedRevisions notes updated?
We maintain a Live Update Log. Our clinical team updates the notes daily or weekly whenever a relevant NICE, SIGN, or CKS guideline changes. You will never have to worry if your study material is out of date.
7. Do the notes cover the entire MLA Content Map?
Yes. Our library is structured strictly according to the GMC’s MLA Content Map. We cover all domains—from Acute Medicine to Ethics—ensuring there are no gaps in your knowledge.
8. Are the notes just bullet points?
No. While we use bullet points for rapid revision, our notes also include detailed explanations, pathophysiology, and "Exam Warnings" (highlighting common examiner tricks). They are designed to be a complete learning resource, not just a quick summary.
9. What happens if a guideline changes just before my exam?
We update the notes immediately. Since the UKMLA/PLAB exams expect you to know the current guidelines, studying from our live notes gives you a significant advantage over candidates using older books.
10. Can I trust these notes for clinical practice?
Our notes are based on UK National Guidelines (NICE, SIGN, BNF). While they are optimised for exam success, they also provide the "Gold Standard" management plans expected of a Foundation Doctor (FY1/FY2) in the NHS.
Section 3: The AI Advantage (The Future of Learning)
11. Can I ask the notes questions?
Yes, using our AI Professor. Unlike a static book, our AI is integrated into the platform. You can ask it to simplify a complex note, explain a drug interaction, or generate a mnemonic to help you remember a list.
12. How does the AI help with "Passive Learning"?
Reading a book is passive (and often boring). MedRevisions makes learning active. You can read a note, then ask the AI to quiz you on that specific topic to ensure you actually understood it before moving on.
13. Is the AI available 24/7?
Yes. Your personal AI Tutor is available anytime, anywhere. Whether you are studying late at night or on your commute, expert help is just a click away.
Section 4: Technical & Access
14. Can I access the notes on my phone?
Yes. MedRevisions is built as a Progressive Web App (PWA). You can access the entire library on your phone, tablet, or laptop without taking up storage space. It is the ultimate portable medical library.
15. Is there a search function?
Yes. Our powerful search bar allows you to find any condition, drug, or guideline instantly. No more wasting time flipping through pages.
16. Do I have to pay extra for the notes?
No. Unlike competitors who charge separately for "notes" or "flashcards," MedRevisions includes full access to the Note Library with every subscription plan.
17. Can I bookmark specific notes?
Yes. You can bookmark notes for later review, creating your own personalised "revision list" for the final days before the exam.
18. Do you offer a free trial of the notes?
Yes! You can sign up for a free account and access a sample of our Integrated Notes immediately. See for yourself why digital is better than print. Click here to start for free.
19. Can I print the notes?
Our notes are designed for the digital experience (with interactive links, AI, and instant updates). Printing them would render them "outdated" the moment they are on paper, defeating the purpose of a live-updated resource.
20. Are images and diagrams included?
Yes. Our notes include high-quality images, ECGs, X-rays, and diagrams to help you visualise complex conditions, just like in the real exam.
